NY-27 farm bureaus commend congressman on his continued leadership on this issue
Congressman Chris Collins and local Farm Bureau presidents applauded the Trump administration's decision to either rescind or revise the Waters of The United States (WOTUS) rule imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Obama administration.
"This rule was an example of reckless government overreach, that brought undue burdens to farmers in Western New York," Collins said Wednesday. "I was proud to lead the bipartisan effort in Congress to scrap the WOTUS rule and applaud President Trump and Administrator Pruitt for taking this common-sense step to support our nation's agriculture industry."
Both Collins and farm bureaus located within New York's 27th Congressional District have been vocal in their opposition to the WOTUS rule. In May 2014, Collins led a bipartisan
letter signed by more than 200 members of Congress to former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Department of the Army Secretary John McHugh outlining concerns related to this rule. Collins said the WOTUS rule was "built on incomplete scientific study and a flawed economic analysis," and formally requested the rule be returned to their respective agencies.
"Farmers are simply trying to provide for their family, community and the nation, so it is unfortunate the federal government imposed this type of rule in the first place," said Jeffrey Simons, president of the Erie County Farm Bureau. "Plain and simple, more federal regulations will make it harder for farmers to do their job. Today's decision is a tremendous victory for Niagara County farmers, and I want to thank Congressman Collins for fighting on our behalf since the beginning."
"The WOTUS rule was an overreach since it was first proposed, and we've seen the negative impact it has had and would continue to have on our local agriculture industry," said Christian Yunker, president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau. "In the end, common sense prevailed and everyone's hard work has paid off. I appreciate all of Congressman Collins efforts - this is fantastic news for all of agriculture, not just here in Genesee County."
"Today's announcement is great news for Ontario County agriculture and will help to protect the future of our region's family farms," said Lisa Grefrath, president of the Ontario County Farm Bureau. "We commend Congressman Collins for his efforts to repeal this burdensome mandate and look forward to continuing to work with him on the issues impacting local family farms."
"For the last three years, we have worked with Congressman Collins to end this unfair federal overreach and protect local farms. Today's announcement is exciting news for local farm families," said Joe Swyers, president of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. "We will continue to work with Rep. Collins regarding protecting the future of family farms in Livingston County, and appreciate his efforts to end WOTUS. No one cares about more about our environment than local farmers that make their living on our land, and we will continue to be the best stewards possible."
"Today's announcement is a win for New York's agricultural community. Wyoming County is a top agricultural producer in New York state, and the repeal of WOTUS will help ensure the future of farming in Western New York," said Jeremy Northup, president of the Wyoming County Farm Bureau. "We commend Congressman Collins for his aggressive efforts to repeal WOTUS and will continue to work with him on the issues important to Wyoming County family farms."
"When the WOTUS rule was first proposed, we knew this was a blatant overreach by the EPA," said Jim Bittner, president of the Niagara County Farm Bureau. "This rule would have had negative effects on practically every piece of farmland here in Niagara County. Congressman Collins understood this from the beginning, because requiring farmers to get either the EPA or Army Corps' approval before farming would have been a nightmare. We're very glad to hear this rule will be rescinded."
